- Our feature image, a serious but funny kidnapping cartoon depicting victims momentarily smiling in a hellish situation, is inspired by Super Eagles star performace in ongoing AFCON23 CUP. The beautiful work of multi-talented Edo-born artist and writer Efosa Wilfred Orhue, Orhue creatively weaves with pencil, the multifaceted trauma currently bombarding Nigerians, showing how we helplessly react to these seizeless horrors, fluctuating in and out of emotions. A people (Nigerians), who are in fact vestiges of a continental holocaust, yet to fully grasp, the cancer like effects of colonisation and the mentally damaging, deep seating, invincible injuries we carry over generations unend. ioiNews writer Aniefiok Okon gets inspired by Efosa Orhue’s emotive cartoon as he pens down a short but informative editorial take below ~ ioiNews
In recent years, Nigeria has grappled with a profound sense of insecurity that has permeated every facet of society. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the rural villages of the North, the specter of fear looms large, casting a shadow over the hopes and aspirations of millions.
This insecurity, however, is not merely a symptom of random acts of violence or external threats; rather, it is deeply rooted in the systemic poverty intentionally inflicted upon the masses by a few intellectually deficient and wholly unqualified characters who are not supposed to be entrusted with flower pots, let alone an entire nation.
At the heart of Nigeria’s insecurity lies a toxic combination of economic deprivation, political instability, and social inequality. For decades, successive governments have failed to address the fundamental needs of the people, instead prioritizing self-enrichment and political survival. The result is a nation rife with corruption, where resources are siphoned off by a tiny minority whilst the majority languish in poverty.
One of the most glaring manifestations of this systemic poverty is the proliferation of armed groups and criminal enterprises across the country. From Boko Haram in the North to bandits and kidnappers in the West and South, these groups prey on the vulnerabilities of the disenfranchised, exploiting their desperation for survival. With limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, many young Nigerians see joining these groups as their only means of escaping poverty, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.
Moreover, the lack of effective governance and rule of law has only served to exacerbate the problem. In the absence of accountability, those in positions of power act with impunity, further eroding trust in the government and fueling grievances among the populace. Meanwhile, the security forces, tasked with maintaining law and order, often find themselves ill-equipped and poorly trained to deal with the complex challenges they face, leading to widespread human rights abuses and further alienating the communities they are meant to protect.
To address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, it is imperative to confront the entrenched systems of poverty and corruption that have long plagued the nation. This requires not only a commitment to good governance and transparency but also a fundamental shift in the way power and resources are distributed. Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are essential to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth and creating opportunities for economic prosperity. Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating corruption and undermining the rule of law.
Ultimately, the path to a more secure and prosperous Nigeria lies in the hands of its people. By demanding accountability from their leaders and actively participating in the democratic process, Nigerians can begin to dismantle the structures of inequality and injustice that have held them back for too long. Only then can the nation truly fulfill its potential as a beacon of hope and progress in Africa.
IMAGE: Efosa Wilfred Orhue
- Contacts for artist and writer Efosa Wilfred Orhue
- X: X: @Fredolution_Now
- IG: @Fredolution_now
- Tiktok: @fredolution_now
